Added to inquiry!
DOCUMENTARY

New Life Blossoms in an Old Village:
Seven Years of Struggle and Hope

DOCUMENTARY 2013 48 mins Episode(s): 1 English English
The aging of Japan's population is steadily hollowing out the country's agriculture.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, a struggling farming community in Ishikawa Prefecture called Sugaike began trying to attract young residents. Hiroyuki Yago is one of the people who came. He moved from Osaka to Sugaike in order to grow organic vegetables, but there wasn't enough farmland available to rent and he has trouble making a living. Nevertheless, the locals have accepted Yago as one of their own, and he intends to stay. By 2012, there were three new families in Sugaike; abandoned land began to spring back to life, and a local dance festival that had not been held for 10 years was revived. Yago was there at the center of the dancing, cheered on by joyful longtime residents.

This program chronicles seven years in the life of a young man, who wanted to start a new life in the countryside by joining a community that is trying to adapt to the consequences of Japan's aging, shrinking population.

  •  

    The Second Bridge of Shinminato Uchikawa- Imizu, Toyama Prefecture
    2019 30 minutes

    [Beauty of Japan Season 2] Stephen, originally from Hawaii, was entranced by the charms of Uchikawa and moved there from Tokyo to open his bar, the "BRDIGE惻BAR". We follow Stephen's story as he attempts to become the second bridge that connects the Uchikawa community to the rest of the world!...
    more details
  •  

    Hungry Hoppers - Pigging out around Japan
    2010 24 mins

    This crazy and entertaining food show hosted by Yo Oizumi, a Japanese rising actor/star, follows three comedic guys known as the "Piggy Family" as they travel around Japan seeking out the local hidden delicacies that Japan's world-renowned cuisine has to offer. Watch as the guys travel in their minivan, named...
    more details
  •  

    Yokohama Scarves- Harmony of Beauty and Skill-
    2015 30 mins

    [Craft Masters of Japan] Since the opening of its port, the silk industry has developed drastically within Yokohama City. Silk is a soft and delicate fabric, which requires special techniques for dyeing and drawing motifs. This documentary will focus on the traditional "Yokohama scarfs", which have a history of over...
    more details
  •  

    Life in the World Heritage site Gokayamaduring the Winter (Toyama Prefecture)
    2021 25 minutes

    [Colors in Japan] Ainokura Gassho-zukuri is a World Heritage site in Toyama Prefecture's Gokayama region, known for its heavy snowfall. To endure these harsh winters, the village's people have preserved traditional wisdom and techniques, reflected in their unique thatched-roof houses. Click here to preview the program! Part of the "Colors...
    more details